UK Teams Up with LexPhil, Ky. Colleges for 'Carmina Burana' Concert

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Nov. 11, 2014) — University of Kentucky Chorale will team up with Lexington Philharmonic and four regional choral ensembles to bring a rare performance of "Carmina Burana" to the stage 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 14, at Singletary Center for the Arts.

Alexander Scriabin’s "Poem of Ecstasy" opens the program with a full orchestra journey inspired by the trials and tribulations of humanity, followed by "Carmina Burana," Carl Orff’s masterwork of fate and fortune brought to life by vocal talent from UK, Eastern Kentucky University, Berea College, Transylvania University, SCAPA (School for the Creative and Performing Arts) Children’s Choir, and soloists Amanda Woodbury, soprano; Daniel Shirley, tenor; and Chad Sloan, baritone.

LexPhil conductor and Music Director Scott Terrell’s choice to pair Scriabin’s "Poem of Ecstasy" and Orff’s "Carmina Burana" is part of LexPhil’s ongoing movement toward “cultivating an environment where high-level artistry is paramount to building a strong arts community. One of the ways we support this community is through collaboration – a LexPhil core value – with the rich talent found in the region’s choral programs. I am thrilled to bring together these fresh voices from Berea College Concert Choir, Eastern Kentucky University Singers, SCAPA Children’s Choir, Transylvania University Choir, and the University of Kentucky Chorale for this powerful production of Orff’s 'Carmina Burana.'”

Both "Poem of Ecstasy" and "Carmina Burana" draw inspiration from poetic texts, heavily focusing on the wonders of the universe and the rare emotions that define human nature. While "Poem of Ecstasy" is a lush orchestral feature, Orff’s "Carmina Burana" is presented by LexPhil in its traditional vocal and orchestral setting instead of the theatrical “scenic cantata” for dramatic acting, dancing and singing originally intended by Orff. It is scored for choirs (men, women, boys and mixed), soloists (baritone, tenor and soprano), and a large, percussion-heavy orchestra, grouped into 24 sections characterized by lyrical and raucously rhythmic episodes.

Orff’s "Carmina Burana" also features the vocal talent of soloists Amanda Woodbury, Daniel Shirley and Chad Sloan. Kentucky-born soprano Amanda Woodbury is a member of the Domingo-Colburn-Stein Young Artist Program. She made her LA Opera debut as Micaëla in "Carmen" (2013) with subsequent appearances as Papagena in "Die Zauberflöte." She was recently honored as a winner of the 2014 Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions, as well as receiving the Sara Tucker Study Grant. In 2014, she earned both second place and Audience Choice awards at Houston Grand Opera’s Elleanor McCollum Competition (2014).

Tenor Daniel Shirley debuted at Carnegie Hall in 2013, reviewed by the New York Concert Review as a voice that “soared over the large forces with strength and clarity.” The vocalist continues to earn critical praise for his appearances in concert, opera and musical theater. Recent awards include fifth place in the 2014 American Traditions Competition, honorable mention in the 2013 George London Foundation awards, and a 2012 Career Development Grant from the William Matheus Sullivan Foundation. Shirley has also been honored with awards from the Anna Sosenko Trust, the National Society of Arts and Letters, Central City Opera, Chautauqua Opera and the Dayton Opera Guild.

American baritone Chad Sloan is recognized as much for his warm, elegant vocalism as he is for deft interpretations of diverse characters. In the 2012-2013, he performed "Carmina Burana" with Columbia Pro Cantare, Johann Sebastian Bach’s "Weihnachts-Oratorium" with Louisville Choral Arts Society, Johannes Brahms’ "Liebeslieder Waltzer" at Twickenham Music Festival, Benjamin Britten’s "War Requiem" at Lawrence Conservatory and as baritone soloist in performances with the Bach Festival Society of Winter Park. A graduate of the Juilliard School, Sloan is an active recitalist who recently performed a program responding to an installation of French Impressionism at the Everson Museum in Syracuse, New York. He has performed at Wolf Trap Opera in "The Pursuit of Love," and in the world premiere of Kenji Bunch’s "Dream Songs" at Carnegie Hall.

Prior to each Season Series concert, guests will have the opportunity to participate in an insightful discussion of the night’s events with Maestro Terrell during LexPhil’s "Inside the Score." Each "Inside the Score" starts at 6:45 p.m., and is held in the President’s Room at the Singletary Center for the Arts.

Valet parking is available for $10 per car at the Rose Street entrance to the Singletary Center. Free parking is available in any E Parking Lot on the UK campus, as well as Parking Structure 5 located at 409 S. Limestone, with entrances on South Limestone and South Upper Street. 

General admission tickets to "Carmina Burana" range from $25-75 with $11 student tickets also available to university students with a valid school ID. Pick 4 ticket packages are still available beginning at $85. "Carmina Burana" is made possible through the generous support of Unified Trust Company. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Lexington Philharmonic at 859-233-4226, or visit the website at www.lexphil.org.

The UK Chorale is the premier mixed choral ensemble at UK School of Music in the UK College of Fine Arts. It consists mostly of upperclassmen and graduate students. While the majority of singers are music majors, there are a number of other academic disciplines represented within the ensemble. The Chorale prides itself in performing a wide variety of choral literature from Renaissance to 21st Century. UK Chorale performs under the direction of Jefferson Johnson, director of UK Choral Activities.

Conductor Scott Terrell was appointed music director of the Lexington Philharmonic in 2009. During his tenure, he has re-invigorated and raised the artistic level of the ensemble, expanded collaborations, increased subscriptions and challenged its musicians and audiences with a greater diversity of repertoire and programs. Maestro Terrell has simultaneously maintained a healthy schedule of recent guest conducting with the Colorado Symphony, Aspen Music Festival and School, and Philadelphia Orchestra. Future engagements include the Colorado Symphony, and a debut leading Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s "The Magic Flute" at the Arizona Opera.

The Lexington Philharmonic, founded in 1961, is the only professional orchestral organization in Central Kentucky. LexPhil presents more than 130 concerts and educational programs each year, including Season Series, Holiday Concerts, Peanut Butter and Jelly concerts for young children, special concerts, community programs and outdoor summer concerts. More information and tickets can be found at www.lexphil.org. 

MEDIA CONTACT: Whitney Hale, 859-257-8716; whitney.hale@uky.edu